Traveling scaffold

ABSTRACT

An elongated power driven roller unit is mounted on an elongated tubular member and is adapted to roll around an elevated structure having a round upper portion. Flexible lines are connected to opposite ends of the tubular member with the lowermost line connected to a work scaffold and the uppermost line connected to anchor means adjacent the top of the elevated structure. Other flexible support lines extend longitudinally through the tubular member with the upper ends thereof connected to the anchor means.

nited States Patent [19] Harris Sept. 24, 1974 1 TRAVELING SCAFFOLD [76] Inventor: Robert M. Harris, 1012 Fulton Ave., S.W., Birmingham, Ala. 35211 [22] Filed: Aug. 3, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 385,535

Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jennings, Carter & Thompson [5 7] ABSTRACT An elongated power driven roller unit is mounted on an elongated tubular member and is adapted to roll around an elevated structure having a round upper portion. Flexible lines are connected to opposite ends of the tubular member with the lowermost line c0nnected to a work scaffold and the uppermost line connected to anchor means adjacent thetop of the elevated structure. Other flexible support lines extend longitudinally through the tubular member with the upper ends thereof connected to the anchor means.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures [52] US. Cl 182/37, 182/37, 182/142, 182/150 [51] Int. Cl. E04g 3/10, E04g 3/12 [58] Field of Search 182/14, 13, 12, 36, 37, 182/150, 142

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,101,839 6/1914 Elvestrom 182/37 1,421,609 7/1922 Sturm et al. 182/37 1,705,958 3/1929 Burrows 182/37 2,881,029 4/1959 Tollefsen 182/37 PA ENIEMEPM 3.837. 429

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a traveling scaffold and more particularly to apparatus for positioning a scaffold relative to an elevated structure, such as a tanklike structure, whereby a powered work scaffold is movable vertically and around the exterior of the structure to selected positions.

As is well known in the art to which my invention relates, it is very difficult to sand blast and repaint the exterior surface of elevated structures, such as tank-like members due to the fact that each time the work scaffold is moved to a new angular position around the tank, the workman must leave the scaffold and climb to the top of the structure to move the rig to the next location to be worked. This not only requires several workmen to move the scaffold but consumes considerable time and effort in moving the scaffold around the tank. In fact, it requires more effort in positioning the scaffold at selected positions around the tank than the actual labor required in sand blasting and painting. Also, difficulties have been encountered in providing traveling scaffolds which are safe in operation both for the laborer and the machine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my invention, I provide a traveling scaffold for an elevated structure which embodies an elongated tubular member having an elongated roller unit mounted for rotation thereon. Drive means carried by the tubular member is operatively connected to the roller for rotating the same whereby the scaffold is movable to selected angular positions about the structure. A flexible line connects one end of the tubular member to a work scaffold and a second flexible line connects the other end of the tubular member to anchor means on the elevated structure. Other flexible lines extend longitudinally through the tubular member with the upper end of each line being adapted for connection to anchor means on the elevated structure. The lines extending through the tubular member provide safety lines for the worker and the work scaffold and also provide a power line for supplying the power for moving the work scaffold vertically as well as around the elevated structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Apparatus embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, showing my traveling scaffold attached to a tank-like structure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the arrangement of the support, safety and power lines with the remainder of the apparatus and the elevated structure being in dotted lines;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top plan view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1, parts being broken away and in section;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmental view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged. fragmental, sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing my traveling scaffold attached to a generally spherical tank-like structure, the load lines, safety lines and power lines being in solid lines with the remainder of the apparatus and the elevated structure being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view taken generally along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7, parts being broken away and in section; and,

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, view taken generally along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention, I show in FIGS. 1 and 2 an elevated structure 10 in the form of a tank-like structure having a round, domeshaped upper portion, as shown, which is provided with the usual vent member 11 which may be closed by the usual flanged closure member, if desired.

My improved means for supporting a work scaffold 12 alongside the elevated structure comprises an elongated tubular member 13 having a passageway 14 therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 6. One end of a flexible load line 16 is attached to the upper end of the elongated tubular member 13 by a suitable bail- Iike member 17, as shown in FIG. 3. The other end of the load line 16 is provided with a loop which encircles the vent member 11, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the load line 16 is secured to the top of the elevated structure 10. The lower end of the elongated tubular member 13 is connected by a bail-like member 18 to the upper end of a load line 19. The lower end of the load line 19 is wound on a conventional winch unit 21 carried by the work scaffold 12. Accordingly, upon rotation of the winch unit 21 in opposite directions, the work scaffold 12 is raised or lowered to selected positrons.

The winch 21 is driven by a suitable power unit, such as an electric motor with power being delivered thereto by a power line 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the work scaffold 12 may be provided with suitable rollers 23 which are adapted to engage the side of the elevated structure 10, as shown.

Mounted for rotation on the elongated tubular member 13 by suitable bearing members 24 is an elongated roller unit 26 which is adapted to roll around the surface of the elevated structure 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby the work scaffold 12 may be moved to selected angular positions relative to the structure 10. One end of the elongated roller unit 26 carries a ring gear 27 which engages a gear or pinion 28 mounted on the shaft 29 of an electric motor 31, as shown in FIG. 3. Power is supplied to the motor 31 by the power line 22 which extends from the winch unit 21 through the passageway 14 in the elongated member 13, as shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the elongated tubular member 13 extends beyond the roller unit 26 and is mounted on a translatable frame 32 which comprises an elongated member 33 which extends transversely of the tubular member 13 and the supporting roller unit 26. Supporting rollers 34 are mounted adjacent opposite ends of the elongated frame member 33 in position to engage the surface of the elevated structure 10 whereby the gear 27 does not engage the elevated structure and the elongated tubular member 13 is held against rotation as the roller unit 26 is rotated. The elongated frame member 32 is attached to the motor 31 and the elongated member 13 by suitable support bracket 36 and retaining elements 37. Also, a support bracket 38 connects the upper surface of the elongated tubular member 13 to the top of the motor unit 31 and is secured in place by suitable retaining members 39.

Extending through the passageway 14 in the elongated tubular member 13 is a man, safety line 41. The lower end 42 of the safety line 41 is adapted to surround the waist of a worker and is attached to the worker by a suitable buckle or the like. The upper end of the man safety line 41 extends through the vent opening 11 and is secured to a transverse bar-like member 43 which is positioned inwardly of the tank-like structure 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the bar-like member 43 serves as an anchor for attach ing the line 41 to the structure 10.

Extending through the passageway 14 in the elongated tubular member 13 is a machine safety line 44 which extends parallel to the man safety line 41 with the upper end thereof extending downwardly through the vent opening 13 and attached to the transverse bar 43 whereby the upper end of the machine safety line 44 is anchored to the structure 10. The lower end of the machine safety line 44 is attached to the upper end of the load line 19, as shown in FIG. 5, whereby the machine safety line 44 is in turn connected to the work scaffold 12.

Where the work scaffold is to be supported along the outer surface of a generally spherical structure, such as the tank 10a shown in FIG. 7, I provide idler roller units 46. Each idler roller unit 46 comprises an elongated roller 47 which is mounted for rotation on an elongated tubular member 48 by suitable bearing members 49, as shown in FIG. 8. The elongated tubular member 48 is provided with a passageway 51 therethrough for passing the load lines, power lines and safety lines whereby the lines are held out of engagement with the elevated structure 10 at the points the lines pass through the idler roller unit 46. Accordingly, the idler roller units 46 are adapted for rotation around the outer surface of the structure 10a as the lines are moved to selected angular positions relative to the structure 10a.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a transverse frame member 52 is carried by each idler roller unit 46 and supporting rollers 53 are provided adjacent each end of the member 52 in position to engage the outer surface of the elevated structure 10 to prevent rotation of the elongated tubular member 48 as the roller 47 rotates about the tubular member 48.

As shown in FIG. 7, the uppermost idler roll unit 46 is connected to the transverse bar 43 by a line 54 whereby the uppermost idler roller unit 46 is anchored to the structure 10a. The lower end of the uppermost idler roller unit 46 is connected by a line 56 to the upper end of the elongated tubular member 13 to provide additional safety. In like manner, the lower end of the elongated tubular member 13 is connected by a safety line 57 to the upper end of the lowermost idler roll assembly 46.

As shown in FIG. 7, where my improved apparatus is used on a generally spherical structure 10a, a bowl line 58 is attached by a suitable loop at its upper end to the vent member 11 for the elevated structure 10a. The

bowl line 58 extends through the idler roll units and the elongated tubular member 13 with the lower end thereof being attached to conventional attaching members 59 carried by the structure 10a as shown. That is, the attaching members 59 may be in the form of the conventional painters ring which are mounted on such storage tanks.

From the foregoing description, the operation of my improved apparatus will be readily understood. The load line 16 is attached to the vent member 11 and the lower end of the load line 19 is attached to the winch 21 whereby upon actuation of the winch, the work scaffold 12 may be moved to any selected vertical position along the elevated structure 10. The lower end 42 of the man safety line 41 is attached to the worker while the upper end thereof passes downwardly through the vent member 11 and is secured to the bar 43. The upper end of the machine safety line 44 is secured to the bar 43 while the lower end thereof is attached to the upper end of the lowermost load line 19 to thus provide additional safety for the machine. The power line 22 supplies power to the winch unit and also extends upwardly through the tubular member 13 to supply power to the motor 31. Upon rotation of the motor 31 rotary motion is imparted to the roller 26 through the gears 27 and 28 whereby the elongated member 13 and the work scaffold 12 are moved angularly around the structure 10 to selected positions. By providing a reversible motor 31, the roller 26 may be driven in opposite directions to move the work scaffold in either direction.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised an improved driving scaffold which permits the worker to move to any desired vertical or lateral position relative to the elevated structure without having to leave the scaffold and reposition the scaffold each time the scaffold is to be moved to another lateral position. By providing the elongated tubular member 13 for supporting the roller 26 and the elongated tubular member 48 for supporting the idler rollers 47, the rollers 26 and 47 are free to rotate about the flexible lines extending through the elongated tubular members, thus preventing damage to the lines and at the same time adding safety for both the operator and the machine. Furthermore, my improved apparatus is easily assembled and disassembled in a minimum of time, whereby substantially all of the workers time is devoted to the work of sand blasting or painting the elevated structure.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a traveling scaffold for an elevated structure having a generally round upper portion and anchor means adjacent the top thereof; I

a. an elongated tubular member having a passageway therethrough,

b. an elongated roller unit mounted for rotation on said tubular member and adapted to roll around said structure,

c. drive means carried by said tubular member and operatively connected to said roller for rotating said roller,

d. a first flexible line connected at one end to one end of said tubular member with the other end thereof being adapted for connection to a work scaffold,

e. a second flexible line connected at one end to the other end of said tubular member with the other end thereof being adapted for connection to said anchor means so that said tubular member and said work scaffold are supported from said anchor means, said f. at least one flexible line extending longitudinally through said tubular member with the upper end thereof being adapted for connection to said anchor means.

2. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said roller unit comprises an elongated cylindrical member with bearing members interposed between said cylindrical member and said tubular member and the means operatively connecting said drive means to said roller comprises a rotary power transmitting member carried by one end of said cylindrical member and operatively connected to a rotary power transmitting member carried by said drive means.

3. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which an end of said tubular member extends'beyond said roller unit and is mounted on a translatable frame with said drive means being supported by said translatable frame.

4. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 3 in which said translatable frame comprises an elongated frame member extending transversely of said tubular member and supporting rollers adjacent opposite ends of said elongated frame.

5. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which the flexible line extending through said tubular member is a man safety line with the lower portion thereof being adapted for attachment to the body of a man carried by said work scaffold.

6. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said flexible line extending through said tubular mem ber is a machine safety line which is adapted for attachment adjacent its lower end to said first flexible line between said tubular member and said work scaffold.

7. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said flexible line extending through said tubular member is a power supply line which is connected adjacent its upper end to said drive means.

8. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 7 in which a power operated winch is carried by said work scaffold and is operatively connected to said first flexible line for raising and lowering said work scaffold and said power supply line is connected to said power operated winch.

9. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which at least one elongated idler'roller is mounted on a hollow supporting shaft in position for said flexible lines to extend through said hollow supporting shaft so that the portions of said flexible lines which pass through said idler roller are retained out of contact with said elevated structure.

10. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 9 in which one end of said idler roller is connected by a flexible line to said elongated tubular member with the other end of said idler roller being connected by a flexible line to said elevated structure. 

1. In a traveling scaffold for an elevated structure having a generally round upper portion and anchor means adjacent the top thereof; a. an elongated tubular member having a passageway therethrough, b. an elongated roller unit mounted for rotation on said tubular member and adapted to roll around said structure, c. drive means carried by said tubular member and operatively connected to said roller for rotating said roller, d. a first flexible line connected at one end to one end of said tubular member with the other end thereof being adapted for connection to a work scaffold, e. a second flexible line connected at one end to the other end of said tubular member with the other end thereof being adapted for connection to said anchor means so that said tubular member and said work scaffold are supported from said anchor means, said f. at least one flexible line extending longitudinally through said tubular member with the upper end thereof being adapted for connection to said anchor means.
 2. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said roller unit comprises an elongated cylindrical member with bearing members interposed between said cylindrical member and said tubular member and the means operatively connecting said drive means to said roller comprises a rotary power transmitting member carried by one end of said cylindrical member and operatively connected to a rotary power transmitting member carried by said drive means.
 3. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which an end of said tubular member extends beyond said roller unit and is mounted on a translatable frame with said drive means being supported by said translatable frame.
 4. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 3 in which said translatable frame comprises an elongated frame member extending transversely of said tubular member and supporting rollers adjacent opposite ends of said elongated frame.
 5. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which the flexible line extending through said tubular member is a man safety line with the lower portion thereof being adapted for attachment to the body of a man carried by said work scaffold.
 6. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said flexible line extending through said tubular member is a machine safety line which is adapted for attachment adjacent its lower end to said first flexible line between said tubular Member and said work scaffold.
 7. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which said flexible line extending through said tubular member is a power supply line which is connected adjacent its upper end to said drive means.
 8. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 7 in which a power operated winch is carried by said work scaffold and is operatively connected to said first flexible line for raising and lowering said work scaffold and said power supply line is connected to said power operated winch.
 9. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 1 in which at least one elongated idler roller is mounted on a hollow supporting shaft in position for said flexible lines to extend through said hollow supporting shaft so that the portions of said flexible lines which pass through said idler roller are retained out of contact with said elevated structure.
 10. A traveling scaffold as defined in claim 9 in which one end of said idler roller is connected by a flexible line to said elongated tubular member with the other end of said idler roller being connected by a flexible line to said elevated structure. 